Chapter 79
Lin Jiu woke up to find it was already daylight.
The house was quiet, just like any other morning.
But this morning was different—it shouldn’t be this quiet.
Lin Jiu jumped out of bed and rushed outside. The mountain of fish that had reached the ceiling was gone, and the living room was spotless, not a drop of water to be seen.
If not for the faint smell of the sea still lingering in the air, you’d never guess that last night this place had been filled with so much seafood.
Lin Jiu searched the living room and kitchen but couldn’t find Si Xu; he had already left.
Feeling down, Lin Jiu returned to the bedroom, only to hear the sound of the door opening. He immediately jumped up and ran out.
Si Xu had returned, carrying a box.
“Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” Si Xu put down the keys and the box, walked over, and picked Lin Jiu up, carrying him back to the room.
Lin Jiu watched as he placed him on the bed, then turned and left, only to return shortly after. Lin Jiu’s eyes followed him the entire time.
“I thought you weren’t coming back.”
Si Xu paused while opening the box. “Do you want me to stay?”
Lin Jiu first nodded, then shook his head, unsure whether he wanted Si Xu to stay or not.
Lin Jiu wanted him to stay, but he also worried that living together would make it difficult for him to visit the Sea of Demons.
Si Xu didn’t press further. He opened the box, revealing ten colorless, transparent vials of liquid.
“Is this… gene enhancement serum?” Lin Jiu looked at the vials in surprise.
Si Xu wasn’t entirely sure. “I followed the recipe to make these, so they should be successful. But I’m not certain about the effects.”
Lin Jiu quickly called upon his system to analyze the serums.
The system’s voice was cautious.
[Host, are you alright?]
Lin Jiu was now wary of the system. Though it had never threatened to terminate him for failing a task, the penalties for breaking its rules were severe.
More importantly, the system had startled Si Xu earlier, which was unacceptable.
Lin Jiu: “What do you think? Are you a fake fan? Doing this to me in front of Si Xu—who do you think you’re trying to scare?”
[System: It wasn’t me. That was the system’s self-protection function. You only need to touch it, and it will react directly to you without my involvement.]
Lin Jiu: “Enough. Help me analyze the serums.”
[System: “Analyzing the serums will cost 1 magic point. Proceed?]
Lin Jiu: “Proceed.”
[System” 1 magic point deducted.]
[System: Analyzing serums… enhancement level 12]
[System: This enhancement level nearly maximizes the potential of the formula.]
Lin Jiu said, “The enhancement effects of these serums are the formula’s limit.”
Si Xu didn’t ask further. He knew Lin Jiu probably had a way of understanding the effects, just like all the other secrets he carried. Nothing surprised Si Xu anymore.
The system cautiously spoke again.
[If you want to improve the enhancement effects, you can substitute the ingredients. Even changing just one ingredient will greatly alter the results.]
Lin Jiu sensed a bit of flattery in the system’s tone.
If Lin Jiu had initiated the question, the system would have charged him magic points. This time, it volunteered the information for free.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Jiu decided to milk it for more.
Lin Jiu: “Where can I find substitute ingredients?”
[System: There are some on Xipuluo Island.]
Lin Jiu: “Got it. Next time, make sure to point them out.”
[System: …]
The system went silent, no longer speaking.
Lin Jiu continued, “The serum you used had an enhancement level of 10. This one is 12, so the resulting abilities should surpass Shi Shuqing’s RT value.”
Si Xu’s eyes flickered. “Understood.”
Si Xu closed the box. “I’ll go negotiate with the higher-ups now.”
After a pause, he added, “While you were gone, someone from the Liao family came looking for you. Old Master Liao had an accident. He’s alive but completely paralyzed, unable to speak clearly.”
“Liao Yuan has been arrested, and he’s awaiting trial along with Lin Hai and Lin Hongcheng.”
“As for your case, the Zhou family was the mastermind. Old Master Liao knew about it but didn’t report it. Although the statute of limitations has passed, the Zhou family has committed many other crimes over the years, all of which are being investigated. The charges from your case will add to their sentences. The Zhou family members are all in custody.”
Lin Jiu nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief.
Si Xu reassured him, “Don’t worry. They’ll all receive heavy sentences. The case has been expedited, and the verdict will be out soon.”
Si Xu hesitated for a moment before saying, “Your father has divorced Zhou Chanyi.”
Lin Jiu froze, unable to describe how he felt.
Due to various reasons, his father had divorced his mother and, under the family’s arrangements, married Zhou Chanyi. Now that Zhou Chanyi was in trouble, and likely under pressure from the Liao family, his father had divorced her as well.
He had lived like a robot, with everything under someone else’s control, following orders.
[The God of Cooking System reminds the host that there are three days left until the task deadline.]
Lin Jiu: “…”
Damn!
He had been away for more than ten days and hadn’t completed either of the God of Cooking System’s tasks.
The rewards might not have been much, but the penalties for failure were steep—130 magic points in total.
There was no way Lin Jiu was going to give up those magic points to the system.
Lin Jiu hurriedly said, “If we need test subjects for the serums, how about using Team Seven? It’ll be fine. I need enhanced people to dine at my restaurant. I need eight people, each to eat ten meals, all within three days.”
Si Xu: “…”
Was this another sales target?
Si Xu: “Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. You just get ready.”
As soon as Si Xu left, Lin Jiu immediately opened his smart kitchen and started working.
Both Si Xu and Fu Zhu had already eaten over ten portions of magic meals.
Lin Jiu checked the progress, and as he expected, Si Xu and Fu Zhu counted as two customers, but after reaching ten meals, further portions no longer counted.
The ten customers needed for the magic meals were linked to the number of portions; each customer had to eat a full ten meals.
The rewards were minimal, but the rules were strict.
Lin Jiu prepared 80 portions of magic meals in one go, stored them in the refrigerator, and waited for the customers to arrive.
Today, Lin Jiu still didn’t release any new dining slots. He planned not to for the next three days either. With the income from the magic meals, making 20 million in profit would be easy.
The 10 million from external orders had already been credited, counting toward his profit.
Lin Jiu immediately donated 10 million to the external outreach area.
[The God of Cooking System congratulates the host: the reputation of Demon Fish Restaurant has reached 100.]
Lin Jiu had already figured out the system’s pattern — it was clearly designed for grinding treasure chests.
Si Xu took the serums to meet the head of the “Special Security Department.”
Instead of discussing the matter at home, Si Xu went to his office. It was a work matter, and Si Xu wanted to emphasize that point.
Si QiNian was in a meeting, so Si Xu waited until it ended.
When Si QiNian saw Si Xu waiting in his office, he was a bit surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Si Xu stood up. “I have something to discuss with the minister.”
Si QiNian understood — Si Xu was there for official business.
After exchanging a few words with the vice minister and others who had entered with him, Si QiNian dismissed them, leaving him alone with his son.
Si QiNian sat down in his office chair. “Make it quick. I have another important meeting in ten minutes.”
Si Xu didn’t beat around the bush. He placed the box on the desk and opened it for him to see.
Si QiNian glanced at the contents, waiting for Si Xu to explain.
Si Xu said, “These are gene enhancement serums. After injection, they can turn ordinary people into enhanced individuals.”
Si Qinian stared at Si Xu, showing no reaction.
After a long silence, Si Qinian finally spoke, “Si Xu, do you know what you’re saying?”
Si Xu: “I’m fully aware of what I’m saying.”
Si QiNian: “Then you should also know that foreign forces have been researching this type of serum for a long time.”
Si Xu wasn’t aware of this, but he could imagine it. Since the unknown energy crystals had the ability to enhance human genes through radiation, it was no surprise that people had thought of turning that into a serum.
Even the best energy sources would eventually run out. Humans were too smart not to think of alternatives.
Si QiNian glanced at the serums. “Recently, the group that attacked Mo Zhi — more than half of them were berserkers. They had some degree of self-control. Under normal circumstances, they were indistinguishable from ordinary people. Only when enraged or fighting to the death did they voluntarily go berserk, displaying enhanced abilities similar to those of enhanced humans.”
“Usually, when someone is affected by radiation from the unknown energy crystals, they lose their sanity and immediately go berserk. But these individuals didn’t. Based on the information we’ve gathered and research from the ‘Special Security Department,’ they were likely injected with some kind of enhancement serum. It’s probably the same gene enhancement serum foreign forces have been developing.”
Si Xu frowned. “A serum that causes berserking shouldn’t be called a gene enhancement serum.”
Si QiNian tapped the box. “How can you be sure that your serums are genuine gene enhancers and not berserker serums? These berserker serums are already on the black market abroad. If you have enough money, you can buy them.”
Si Xu responded, “First, I didn’t buy these; I made them myself. Second, we can test the serum on the spot. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take full responsibility. Third, I’m not giving them away for free; I have conditions.”
Si QiNian fixed his gaze on his son. “I didn’t realize you were suddenly interested in serum research.”
Si Xu: “I’ve recently developed a sudden passion for it.”
Si QiNian: “…”
If word got out, it would enrage the researchers who had been working day and night. They’d been researching this for years without success, and yet Si Xu, who had nothing to do with the field, suddenly got a bright idea and managed to crack it?
No matter how exceptional his son was, Si QiNian couldn’t entertain such a notion.
Si QiNian said, “Si Xu, you don’t have the right to risk people’s lives, and I can’t let you conduct these tests.”
Si Xu had anticipated this. “I may not have the right, but what if they volunteer?”
Si QiNian glared at him.
Si Xu continued, “If they willingly choose to be test subjects, the ‘Special Security Department’ just needs to approve. They can sign waivers, and any results won’t be the department’s responsibility.”
Si QiNian: “I won’t allow it.”
Si Xu: “Are you going to take away their right to choose?”
Si QiNian: “I won’t let this leak.”
Si Xu: “But I’ve already told my team. They’re all willing to participate.”
Si QiNian slammed the desk. “Si Xu! Do you know what you’re doing?!”
Si Xu showed no fear. “I know exactly what I’m doing. If I’ve created these serums, why can’t I share them with others? They’re more than willing to be test subjects.”
As he spoke, Si Xu pulled out a folder, took out signed agreements, and placed them on Si QiNian’s desk.
There were four agreements, signed by Zhao Cheng, Huang Qi, Chang Beimeng, and Qiao Anya from Team Seven.
Before coming to see Si QiNian, Si Xu had gone to the base and held a meeting with Team Seven. When they learned that the serums could turn people directly into enhanced individuals and that their captain had made them himself, they were both excited and hesitant. But ultimately, they chose to trust their captain.
Si Xu said, “I have complete confidence in my serums. If this works, we’ll be stronger than any other nation. Are you sure you won’t approve?”
Si QiNian, enraged, asked, “And what if it fails? You’ll have blood on your hands, and your life will be ruined!”
After a moment of silence, Si Xu replied, “It won’t fail. I’ve used this serum myself. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have awakened my special bloodline, nor would I still be alive.”
Si QiNian looked at him in shock, clenching his fists on the desk.
Si Xu met his gaze head-on, his eyes full of resolve.
Si QiNian asked, “Are you sure about this?”
Si Xu: “I’m sure.”
“Fine. Go ahead. But I want detailed reports on the process and results.” Si QiNian closed the box and pushed it back to Si Xu.
Si Xu picked up the box and turned to leave.
“How’s Lin Jiu?” Si QiNian asked.
Given all the commotion Si Xu had made while searching for Lin Jiu, and his visit to the “Special Security Department” the previous night, it was impossible for Si QiNian not to know.
“He’s fine.”
Si QiNian said, “Call your mom and let them know, so they don’t worry.”
“Alright.”
Earlier that morning, Si Xu had already called them, informing them that Lin Jiu had returned and reassuring them.
Si Xu returned to the base with the box, and the members of Team Seven already knew that the captain had gotten approval from above.
Si Xu led them to a room equipped with surveillance. Each person had their own room. He personally injected each of the four members, and until their enhancement was complete, they had to remain in the metal rooms.
Si Xu, along with Weng Cheng and Lin Han, waited in the monitoring room, observing the conditions of the four individuals via the cameras.
Since they frequently consumed energy-rich food, their physical foundations were very strong. Additionally, the level of enhancement from this serum was far lower than that of a true primary gene enhancement serum. Though they would feel pain, it wouldn’t reach the level of agony that Si Xu himself had endured.
They were all trained in radiation chambers, so their pain tolerance was much higher than that of ordinary people. When the pain became unbearable, they all sat cross-legged, silently enduring it, cold sweat pouring off them like rain, clearly showing how intense the pain was.
Si Xu was timing the process, wanting to know how long a complete enhancement would take.
After one minute, the four people, who had been sitting still, collapsed to the ground, clearly in severe pain, but they were still conscious and holding on.
At the two-minute mark, their veins bulged as they writhed on the floor, their expressions terrifying.
In the surveillance room, Weng Cheng and Lin Han were drenched in sweat. They were extremely nervous, afraid that something might go wrong.
They frequently glanced at their captain, whose calm demeanor helped them maintain some semblance of rationality.
When the timer hit three minutes, the four individuals suddenly stopped moving.
Weng Cheng and Lin Han were startled. “Captain…”
Si Xu remained still, staring intently at the screen.
The first to show signs of movement was Zhao Cheng. Lying on the floor, his body suddenly began to float, drifting upward like a balloon until he stuck to the metal ceiling.
Weng Cheng: “…”
Lin Han: “…”
The two exchanged a look and then burst out laughing, “It worked! They succeeded!”
The second to react was Chang Beimeng. She pushed herself up, surrounded by a rising white mist, with a layer of frost forming on her arms.
Lin Han, excited, exclaimed, “This…is this ice?!”
Huang Qi and Qiao Anya showed no visible abnormalities. They looked at the camera and gestured to show that their enhancement was complete.
Si Xu went to release them.
Zhao Cheng crawled down from the ceiling, looking utterly defeated. “Captain, I think I lost my weight.”
Si Xu: “Weng Cheng, pull him down.”
Weng Cheng reached out to grab him and was surprised to find that Zhao Cheng was indeed very light, like he was pulling a balloon.
Weng Cheng had to hold on; the moment he let go, Zhao Cheng floated back up.
Lin Han laughed so hard his stomach hurt, but when he turned to see Chang Beimeng approaching, surrounded by cold air, his face turned pale, and he jumped away like a monkey.
“Your ability is way too cool! Damn, you’re freezing me to death!”
Huang Qi and Qiao Anya walked over and, upon seeing the states Zhao Cheng and Chang Beimeng were in, raised their eyebrows. Their abilities were no joke.
Lin Han, curious, asked, “What kind of abilities did you guys get?”
Huang Qi sighed, “I think I’m just support, like you.”
Lin Han’s eyes lit up. “Is it a defensive ability too?”
Huang Qi pondered, “Not quite.”
Lin Han was intrigued. “What is it then?”
Huang Qi, looking conflicted, tried activating his ability. “Drowsiness.”
Lin Han’s eyelids drooped, and he nearly fell asleep standing up. Weng Cheng yawned, and the others also felt a wave of sleepiness wash over them.
The only one unaffected was Si Xu.
“Group hypnosis,” Si Xu concluded.
Once Huang Qi withdrew his ability, everyone snapped back to full alertness.
Everyone then looked to Qiao Anya, curious about her enhancement.
Even at the base, Qiao Anya always dressed meticulously. Unless she was in the radiation training chamber, she rarely switched to training gear, always paying attention to her appearance.
She smiled slightly. “Are you sure you want to see?”
Si Xu: “Give it a try.”
Qiao Anya clicked her tongue. A small, sharp dagger appeared in her hand, and without hesitation, she pierced her palm.
Blood seeped from the wound, pooling in her pale hand. The bright red blood gradually darkened as she retracted the dagger, and with a flick of her fingers, five long, thin threads of blood extended from her fingertips.
Everyone: “???”
Qiao Anya flicked the blood droplets from her fingertips, sending them flying toward the metal wall.
They all watched as the blood danced through the air like threads weaving between walls, eventually disappearing from view.
Left behind was a dense web of fine, spider-like threads. Originally bright red, the threads quickly became colorless and transparent.
Everyone: “…”
Lin Han stared intently at the transparent threads and, out of curiosity, touched one with his fingertip. Immediately, a cut appeared on his finger.
“Whoa! This is the kind of ability that could slice someone into pieces!” Lin Han shouted.
Si Xu seemed deep in thought. Qiao Anya’s ability was indeed unique.
Qiao Anya chuckled and reached for the transparent threads. Lin Han’s scalp tingled, knowing how sharp the threads were; they could easily sever a hand.
However, nothing happened. The threads, as if alive, retracted with a whoosh, returning to Qiao Anya’s palm, forming back into blood droplets. The blood regained its bright red color, thick and sticky, clinging to her fingers as she molded it.
Before Si QiNian’s meeting ended, he received a report from Si Xu.
He always kept his phone on him, and as soon as he heard the notification, he immediately checked it. Upon seeing the results from Si Xu, Si QiNian couldn’t sit still. No meeting was more important than what was happening now.
He asked the vice minister to continue the meeting in his place and hurried out to head for the base.
Before Si QiNian even reached the base, he received another update from Si Xu.
The message contains the RT test results of four people who used gene enhancers.
Zhao Cheng RT 01:44:13
Huang Qi RT 01:48:20
Chang Beimou RT 01:44:31
Qiao Anya RT 01:47:17
Si Qinian: “…”
Back then, their “Special Security Department” didn’t even have a single second-phase enhanced human. It had been looked down upon by foreign forces for quite some time. Si Xu’s test shattered the awkwardness of the department not having a second-phase enhanced human.
Now, in just 3 minutes, four second-phase enhanced humans suddenly appeared!
How could Si Qinian not be excited?
What excited him even more was the success rate of the serum—four doses, four people, all successfully enhanced!
He wanted to meet Si Xu immediately to have a good talk about the serum.
Si Qinian rushed to the base, only to find Si Xu gone, leaving behind a funding application form.
The reason for the application was legitimate: to consolidate the strength of the enhanced individuals, they needed to eat at the ‘Mo Yu Restaurant’ for three days, and funds were requested from above.
Seeing the amount requested, Si Qinian felt his temple throbbing in anger.
He called Si Xu. At a time like this, why talk about meals instead of the serum? Even if they were going out to eat, couldn’t they find a place themselves? Did they need him, the captain, to lead the way?!
When the call connected, Si Xu did not return.
There was only one sentence: “Let’s talk in the afternoon, it’s lunchtime now.”
Minister Si, who had postponed the meeting to find Si Xu: “…”
—
